Label your request "FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUEST," on the request and also on the envelope (if you submit by mail).

Describe the specific record(s) you are seeking with enough detail so that a knowledgeable official or employee of the activity may locate the record with a reasonable amount of effort. Such detail should include descriptive information, time frame to be searched, etc. Because most Navy records are not retained permanently, the more information provided, the better opportunity there is to determine if the records still exist and where. The FOIA clearly states that records must exist at the time of the request. Also, agencies are not required to create a record to comply with your request.

The FOIA does not require agencies to answer questions, venture opinions, or conduct independent inquiries to satisfy queries from the public. Please ensure that your request asks for records, not answers to questions.FOIA authorizes agencies to estimate and collect fees associated with the search for, review, and duplication of, federal records. State your willingness to pay all fees (or those up to a specified amount) or provide a justification to support a fee waiver. Currently we charge search, review (for commercial requesters only), and duplication costs. Ordinarily, if the duplication, search and review fees exceed $250.00, we will not commence retrieval of the documents until we have received payment. If fees are below $250.00, we routinely will copy and forward responsive documents to you with a letter and invoice, which itemizes search, review and duplication. (The fee schedule is provided at enclosure (3) of SECNAVINST 5720.42F.)

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